Universal Harvester launches 1st ToFarm Songwriting Competition

After the successful launch of TOFarm Film Festival, now comes TOFarm Songwriting competition which aims to recognize talent of farmers from agricultural sector. With its theme "Planting the Seeds of Change", Universal Harvester Inc. ventures into another medium to give more hype and meaning to their push for agricultural revolution.

The TOFarm Songwriting Festival was launched on September 10, 2016 at the Mactan Function Room of the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel. The event was graced by Dr. Milagros How, Executive Vice President of Universal Harvester lnc., Project Director Rommel Cunanan, Ms. Luchie Roque, and major music stakeholders and members of media.

“ToFarm was first crafted as a program to help award those in the agricultural sector whose hands and feet, hearts and minds have been dedicated to provide bountiful feast for the whole nation. But then we thought it would be more meaningful if the much needed call to recognition for this industry is extended to the public,” said Dr. Milagros How, Executive Vice President of Universal Harvester lnc.,

Filipinos are born with an innate talent in music. Our music are written from the heart in both lyrics and tune as we portray lives and everyday experiences through songs.

The First TOFARM Songwriting Competition is open to all Filipino amateur and professional songwriters. Different song genres are encouraged and suggested, but not limited to: Folk/Acoustic, Rock, Jazz, R&B, Country, Pop, Inspirational, Fusion.

The following requirements must be submitted on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2016:

1) A Duly accomplished Application Form; Copy of a valid ID with specimen signature of the applicant (including co-applicants, if collaboration) indicated thereon; 2) Song Entry in mp3 format labelled with the title and the contestant’s name or pseudonym directly on the CD; Lyric sheet (in English/or in any Filipino language Pilipino line-by-line translation, if applicable) 3) Two (2) hard copies and one (1) copy in pdf file in the Song Entry CD.

Criteria in choosing the song entries are quality of composition, lyrics and its originality.

Nine (9) Finalists will be chosen by the TOFARM Listening Committee. Results shall be announced on DECEMBER 5, 2016 through print media and website announcements. Each of the nine (9) finalists will receive a certificate and P40,000.

From the finalists, a grand prize winner, 1st runner up, second runner up and the People’s Choice will be chosen during a special live concert happening on February, 2017.

Aside from the trophies, the grand winner will receive P300,000 cash; the first runner up, P200,000 cash and the second runner up P100,000. The People’s Choice award will also receive P75,000.